Peppercorn

26/10/2026

Free Training Opportunity from LCSA (Local Community Services Association)

Do you work with individuals or communities affected by trauma?

LCSA is delivering a free two-module Trauma-Informed Community Development training program to help community workers, leaders and practitioners better understand trauma and build their capacity to support community wellbeing.

See the post below for more information!

Free in-person training: Trauma-Informed Community Development .

Do you work with individuals or communities affected by trauma? Trauma can come from natural disasters, family breakdown, cost-of-living pressures, mental health challenges, job loss or the closure of local services.

This two-module training will deepen your understanding of trauma and its impacts. It will also build your capacity to respond effectively and support community wellbeing, whether you work with one person, one street or a whole LGA.

Facilitated by Carolyn Cousins from Tuned In Consulting.

📅 Module 1: Mon 16 Nov, 11:30am – 3:30pm
📅 Module 2: Tue 17 Nov, 9:30am – 1:30pm
📍 Hawkesbury Leisure & Learning Centre, 114 March St, Richmond
🍽️ Lunch provided both days | Free

Ideal for managers, community development workers, program coordinators and community engagement officers. Please register only if you can attend both modules, as the sessions won’t be recorded.

👉 Register: https://events.humanitix.com/trauma-informed-community-development-training-wr22cszr

This training is funded through the Community Organisation Disaster Adaptation (CODA) Project, funded by the Australian Government and the NSW Government.

25/10/2026

Disasters impact everyone differently, and community organisations play a critical role in ensuring no one is left behind.

The latest Community Organisations Disaster Adaptation (CODA) Winter Update from NSW Council of Social Service - NCOSS shares practical insights from across NSW, including person-centred planning, stronger emergency service integration, the value of First Nations knowledge, and ways to reach people who are often missed during emergencies.

As a CODA project partner, we're proud to contribute our experience supporting people and communities before, during and after disasters, while helping build a more connected and resilient community sector.

Read the Winter Update: https://ncoss.org.au/areas-of-work/publications/community-organisations-disaster-adaptation-report-winter-2026/

11/10/2026

Come and See Us at the Blue Mountains Seniors Expo!

We're excited to be attending the Blue Mountains Seniors Expo and would love to see you there.

The Expo is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local services, community groups and activities that support older people to stay active, independent and engaged. Enjoy a day of information, conversation, live music and a free BBQ provided by Blue Mountains Rotary.

📍 Springwood Monday 19 October, 10.00am to 2.00pm
Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub

📍 Katoomba Friday 23 October, 10.00am to 2.00pm
Tibbi Whalan Hall (formerly Katoomba Library)

Drop by our stall to learn more about our services, meet the team and discover how we can support you or someone you care about.

The Blue Mountains Aged Care sector, in partnership with Council, is hosting a Seniors Expo as part of International Day of Older Persons.

06/10/2026

Hawkesbury locals know a thing or two about being prepared!

Floods, fires, storms, power outages... living in the Hawkesbury means we've learned that sometimes Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes. That's why, for International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October, we're bringing disaster preparedness out off the emergency folder and into the community!

Come find us at Richmond Marketplace where we'll be sharing practical, local information about preparing for emergencies, including P-CEP (Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness) and other handy resources to help you, your household and your neighbours be ready when things don't go according to plan.

Pop by for a chat, grab some resources, test your preparedness knowledge and maybe discover a thing or two you hadn't thought about yet. Because around here, we know the river can rise, the wind can blow and the unexpected can happen, but we also know what a strong community can do.

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
🌏 13 October
📅Richmond Marketplace
🕑9am - 2pm

Be informed. Be prepared. Look out for your neighbours. That's the Hawkesbury way.

01/10/2026

📢 Public Holiday Closure Reminder

We will be closed for the public holiday on Monday 5 October.

We will reopen and return to our usual services on Tuesday 6 October.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing long weekend. 💙

We look forward to seeing you again from Tuesday 6 October. 😊

25/09/2026

We’ve recently enjoyed some wonderful outings together – from visiting Western Sydney Zoo, and the Reptile Park in Gosford, to exploring the Tulip Festival and Auburn Botanical Gardens. We’ve also checked out the latest updates at Western Sydney Airport, and some brave souls even dipped their feet in the water at Palm Beach!

There’s always something new to see, explore and enjoy. Come along and join us, we would love to see you!

📌Please contact our friendly bookings team on 1300 646 444 to inquire about our outings!

➡Registration with My Aged Care is required to be eligible to access these services. Please contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 for more information.

📌If you would like to find out more about our social connections program, either to join us or volunteer please contact us on 1300 646 444.

07/09/2026

🚐💙 Let's be honest, if you live west of the Hawkesbury River, public transport isn't exactly at your doorstep!

That's why our new Study and Apprenticeship Transport trial is already making a real difference for one Glossodia family.

Every weekday, we're helping a local apprentice get safely from home to your destination and back again for just $2.50 per trip through our Study and Apprenticeship Transport service.

For his parent, it's provided real peace of mind, knowing their son can get to his apprenticeship safely, reliably and on time, while also taking the pressure off coordinating daily transport. Even better, it's given valuable time back each day that would otherwise be spent on the road.

With limited transport options available in the area, having an affordable and reliable service has made all the difference.
✅ Safe and reliable transport to TAFE, RTOs and apprenticeships
✅ Just $2.50 per trip
✅ Supporting local apprentices and students
✅ Giving families back valuable time

Who can use the service?
The Study and Apprenticeship Transport program is available to people living in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains local government areas who need assistance getting to study, apprenticeships or training opportunities and have limited transport options available.

Our Study and Apprenticeship Transport program is helping people access employment, training and education opportunities that may otherwise be difficult to reach, ensuring where you live doesn't determine where you can go.

Find out more:

Getting to TAFE, apprenticeships or RTOs isn't always easy. If limited transport options are making it difficult to attend these opportunities, we may be able to help through the Transport for NSW trial.

25/08/2026

🌿 Outings October – December Now Available! 🌿

Our next Outings Program is now live, packed with great activities to enjoy across our regions! ✨

📍 Blacktown - Bookings open on the first Monday of each month
📍 Penrith - Bookings open on the first Wednesday of each month
📍 Hawkesbury - Bookings open on the first Friday of each month
📍 Blue Mountains - Bookings open on the first Friday of each month

To book:
📞 Call 1300 646 444

👉 Check out the full program here:
http://www.communityculture.org.au/resources

We look forward to seeing you out and about! 🌼

19/08/2026

Congratulations Joan Bruce! 🏆

We are incredibly proud to celebrate our very own Joan Bruce, who has been named the 2026 North Western Sydney Senior Volunteer of the Year at the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.

Joan has been a valued volunteer with the organisation for many years, dedicating her time, kindness and enthusiasm to supporting older people in our community. Through her involvement in our Social Support programs, Joan helps create meaningful connections, reduce social isolation and bring joy to the lives of so many people.

During the 2021-2022 Hawkesbury-Nepean flood events, Joan was an integral volunteer for our Recovery Support Services team. She generously dedicated her time to assisting community members impacted by the floods, supporting operations at our Recovery Centre and helping to respond to and direct community enquiries during a challenging period for the region.

Joan's genuine care for others, welcoming nature and unwavering commitment embody the spirit of volunteering. Whether she's supporting clients at social activities, helping people access information and support during times of crisis, or simply making someone feel valued and included, Joan consistently goes above and beyond to make a positive difference.

This award is a well-deserved recognition of Joan's outstanding contribution, not only to the organisation but to the wider community.

Please join us in congratulating Joan on this remarkable achievement. We are honoured to have Joan as part of our organisation and thank her for the countless lives she has touched through her generosity, compassion and service.

Congratulations, Joan, and thank you for everything you do! 💙

Thank you to The Centre for Volunteering for recognising Joan's contribution and for the opportunity to celebrate the incredible impact volunteers have on our communities.

18/08/2026

No Car? No Bus? No Problem.

If transport is stopping you from getting to TAFE, training or an apprenticeship, Community Culture may be able to help.

As part of a Transport for NSW funded trial, eligible Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains residents can access transport from their doorstep to TAFE, training and apprenticeships for just $2.50 per trip.

Contact us to check eligibility.
📞 1300 646 444

For more information, please visit - www.communityculture.org.au/study-and-work-transport